A major issue at the alternative school I teach at is absenteeism. Some of the problem is student/parent apathy, but most of my students care about their grades but have to deal with their children or transience. The unfortunate result is that many kids fall behind on their homework and have trouble catching up because they don't have access to the assignment and my teaching. Hence, there is a need for students to have the ability to access assignments, notes, and tutorials so they can more easily learn the material and maintain good grades.
To help alleviate this issue, I have developed a website on Weebly.com called mrhsgroovyalgebra.weebly.com to help with this issue. I am able to use the office copier to scan worksheets and notes, though I need to, and have started to, scan or download completed notes. Additionally, I have provided links to sites like khanacademy.org and youtube that provide video tutorials for just about anything I have taught. I have a blog page on the site that I have not utilized yet, but I like the idea of having me and/or my students being able to have discussions about various assignments. I uploaded a StAIR that can provide kids immediate feedback about how they are succeeding on a particular topic. I would like add podcasts, screencasts, surveys and videos of my lessons could be to the site as they would do even more than the site offers already to help cover various learning styles or learning disabilities.
I provided all of my students with the website (hard copy and on my whiteboard), and when I talk with parents, they get the address, as well. I have received positive responses from the students (approximately ten) who have used the site, and unanimously, they like the ability to get their assignments. They seemed to be tentative about using the video tutorials, but I got positive feedback after I showed a few students a tutorial on Cramer's Rule.
Next year, assuming I have the resources, I will need teach my kids how to utilize the tools on my website and will make parents aware of its existence and what it provides. Also, the person who is our "resident" grant writer says I may have something that I can use to gain resources. For the remainder of this year, I plan on designing surveys that will help me check for understanding and provide formative assessment and to use the blog.
Scott,
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, this website can be used for students who are present to review the content of your class as well. Have you used the website SlideShare? This might be another option for you, it sounds similar to the website you mentioned and there are many tutorials there. Why reinvent the wheel right?
Hi Scott,
ReplyDeleteWe had huge problems with absenteeism in the school I taught in as well. It got so bad that the police got involved as truancy is illegal. I can't imagine teaching without a CMS now, or some sort of website like the one you discuss. I like that your site is open to all students (and parents). It is a great open resource to your school community and is there for those who are motivated to use it. I would think that parents really might find it useful too as they can stay on top of what is happening in the classroom. Unlike a CMS, the website seems like it might be more easily maintainable too. No copying courses, making sure students are enrolled, waiting for tech support when the system is down, etc. The other bonus is that it is open, although you probably have to worry more about copyright too. Nice project. I'm excited to learn more about Weebly and learn from your example for our Leadership Project!
Kathy
Scott-
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of using Weebly, and I am now nervous because we are using it as well for our Leadership project!! Yikes! Hopefully we can iron out our communication problems soon. Ok but back to wicked, I really like your ideas to help provide the support and resources needed for students who miss your class. I am only concerned about students who do not have access to technology. If they are unable to get to your website or view all the videos or get the work needed, what will they do? What if they are iliterate at computers or technology? Will you provide training as well?